Budding artists will enjoy using their bare hands to create images of flowers on these pots.

You'll need:

Terra-cotta flowerpots (They're inexpensive and can be found at garden centers and some hardware stores.)

Fabric paint in at least three colors (green and two flower colors) poured into small bowls.

Paintbrushes.

Have each child dip the tip of her pinkie into one of the paints and press it onto the flowerpot. This will be the center of the flower. Have her dip a larger finger or thumb into the other paint color and press it a few times around the center dot to create the petals. Help the children to paint on stems and leaves. Create more flowers by working around the pot. Allow the pots to dry while the birthday meal is served.

Potting and planting:

Nurture a lifetime love of gardening with this fun and informative activity:

Set up a gardening station with soil, mini gardening tools, and flower seeds. Have guests plant seeds in custom-designed flowerpots. Help them scoop the soil, plant the seeds, and use the watering can.For more immediate results, you can also have the guests transplant small flowers into their pots: the perfect party favor!

Flowerpot Cake:

Talk about flower power! This birthday cake is baked in a terra-cotta flowerpot instead of a cake pan.

Prepare 5 cups of your favorite cake batter.

Thoroughly clean and dry a 6" nonglazed clay flowerpot.

Line the inside of the pot with aluminum foil by placing a single layer of foil along the bottom and sides of the pot.

Grease and flour the foil inside the pot.

Pour in the cake batter.

Follow cake directions for baking time.

Cool in the pot for 8 to 10 minutes.

Take the cake out of the pot and place the widest side down on a wire rack to continue cooling.